Beechcraft Baron vs Beechcraft Travel Air
The Beechcraft Travel Air (1958-1968) is the predecessor of the Baron — a 180 hp twin that evolved into the Baron's 260+ hp twin engines. Both share the same airframe lineage.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 3
- Model years available
- 1966–1967
- For sale now
- 6
- Model years available
- 1958–1964
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Baron | Beechcraft Travel Air |
|---|---|---|
|
Median $126,500
|
|
|
| Price Range | $107,150 – $145,850 | $97,265 – $122,450 |
| Category | — | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 285 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 900 nm (1,667 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,600 lbs (726 kg) | 1,300 lbs (590 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | 20.0 GPH (76 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,500 hrs |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Baron or Beechcraft Travel Air?
Bottom line: Choose the Baron (55 or 58) for modern systems, more power, higher cruise and a much larger active support network. Choose the Travel Air only for the cheapest entry into a Beechcraft twin — accepting older engines and thin parts support.
Pick the Baron if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 180 kts.
- Longer range — 1000 nm vs 900 nm.
Pick the Travel Air if…
- Budget matters — from $97,265 vs $107,150, you save ~$9,885.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.